Authorities in southern China have initiated a large-scale operation to locate and secure over 70 crocodiles that escaped following severe flooding caused by a typhoon that swept through the region last week. The incident occurred near the city of Maoming in Guangdong province when heavy rains from the typhoon led to the overflow of a commercial crocodile farm’s lake.

Local media reports have stated that the flooding resulted in the escape of a total of 69 adult crocodiles and six juveniles, who were found roaming near the village of Peng Cun.

A video released by the state-backed Beijing News has shown emergency responders, clad in red uniforms, navigating flooded fields in rescue boats in their efforts to locate and capture the escaped reptiles. Additional images depicted several 2-meter-long (6.5-foot-long) crocodiles restrained with red tape while lying on the road.

The situation remains fluid, and efforts to recapture the crocodiles are ongoing. State-affiliated China National Radio (CNR) reported that multiple government departments are actively involved in the operation. The exact number of crocodiles that remain unaccounted for is yet to be determined, and authorities are continuing to investigate the situation.

Crocodile farming is prevalent in China, primarily for the production of crocodile skin and meat, which is sometimes used in traditional medicine. The region affected by the escape is not only home to a commercial crocodile farm but also houses a crocodile theme park and the country’s largest crocodile breeding centre, according to CNR.